In a Facebook post on Sunday, Metuh said the alleged tax would lead to total collapse of the lower class.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh has condemned the alleged move to introduce new personal tax on Nigerians.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, the former PDP Spokesperson said the alleged tax would lead to total collapse of the lower class.
“The proposal to tax Nigerians earning above N30,000 monthly, a flat rate of 3% Personal Income Tax and those earning below N30,000 (employed or not), a flat rate of N100 FPIT monthly will in addition to the planned 10% sales tax and further increase in VAT will result in a total collapse of the lower class.
“The governors should note that all Nigerians earning below N50,000($80) monthly are really living in poverty and the government should not inflict them with more financial punishment. They are already burdened with multiple taxes, provide their own water supply and alternative energy, and cater for their aged and their infants without any social services cushion. They already provide communal welfare services under our cultural extended family system,” Metuh stated.
Metuh listed several things the government can do to create funds for running its activities.
He said, “A constitutional amendment for all elected and appointed persons to serve only one term of 6 years in office. We no longer need professional politicians in this country.
“Open and transparent governance across all levels. We need to know the incomes and expenditures of all public and government institutions at all levels. Some public officials feed fat on minor and hidden details in the budget.
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“Immediate ban on purchase of vehicles by all government agencies and officials. In this present time, we only need people who genuinely want to make sacrifices in office. The country can no longer afford to buy vehicles for legislators, ministers and those in MDGs.
“The governors should cut all excesses in their spending. Why would they propose a 3% flat tax on low-income earners and still hire private jets and maintain the retinue of redundant aides?
“All unnecessary foreign trips by government officials should be banned completely. Legislators, Ministers and others who need to embark on important foreign trips can only be approved premium economy tickets, they may choose to upgrade with their resources.
“Introduction of a strong consumer protection agency to save the citizenry from unfair levies and charges by banks, telecoms and indeed major agencies that engage in unnecessarily high charges.”
Metuh added that “no political party or person should campaign without promising cuts at the highest levels.”